Purattasi Navarathri in September-October is grandly and devotionally celebrated in the temple.

Temple's Speciality:

Mother Thillai Kali appears with four faces as Lord Brahmma. Mother Saraswathi as Veena Vidyambika and Lord Dakshinamurthi in female form praised as Kadambavana Dakshina Rupini grace the devotees from their shrines in the prakara. Devotees pray her lighting lamps on Thursdays seeking high education and academic achievements. Probably, this is the only temple where Lord Dakshinamurthi appears in a female form.

Opening Time:

The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Address:

Sri Thillai Kali Temple, Chidambaram, Cuddalore district.

Phone:

+91- 4144 - 230 251

General Information:

Mother Brahmma Chamundeeswari is also praised as Thillai Amman.She is facing west in a standing posture.Daily pujas and abishek are followed in the temple.Thillai Kali is furious in appearance facing east.Devotees worship here on Sundays between 4.30-6.00 p.m. – Rahukalam time – and on poornima – full moon days and on new oon-Amavasya days seeking boons.

Prayers

As Mother Thillaikali is the deity of Magam Star, those born of this star pray to Her with abishek and archanas to realize their wishes.

Lord Shiva and Mother Kali entered into a dancing contest.Lord Shiva played His frurious Ugra Thandava and raised His legs upward at a stage and asked Kali if She could play this.Bound in feminine traits, Kali could not do this.Though defeated, She became furious.Lord Brahmma appeared there and praised Kali as Veda Nayaki and begged Her to calm down with four faces representing the four Vedas.Kali responded to Brahmma’s prayer and granted darshan to Him as Brahmma Chamundeeswari.An idol is made in this form separately and installed in the temple.

Temple History:

A debate arose between Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi as to who was more powerful among them.Shiva claimed he was.But Shakti was too voracious in her defence on the debate to establish Her claim.Angry Shiva cursed Her to become an Ugrakali.Realizing Her haste and violent argument, Shakti begged Shiva for a remedy.Lord Said, “Devas and men will be subjected to the atrocities of demons shortly.You, as Ugra Kali will destroy the demons and protect Devas and men.Then, You come to Thillai (now Chidambaram) and perform penance on me.I shall be there to grant Ananda dance darshan to Sages Patanjali and Vyakrapada.You will join me there as Sivakami” thus goes the story.Thillai Kali is also known as Ellai Kali – Ellai means border – Kali at the border of Thillai.

Those visiting Chidambaram temple complete the pilgrimage to the place with worship of Thillaikali.

Special Features:

Miracle Based:Mother Thillai Kali graces the devotees with four faces from a separate shrine. Lord Dakshinamurthy is in a female form praised as Kadambavana Dakshina Rupini. Mother Maha Saraswathi blesses the devotees as Veena Vidyambica.

Location :Thillai Kali Temple is 1 km from Chidambaram on the Cuddalore Road.